Aztech F.A.Q.
1. How does the cost of Aztech compare to the cost of petroleum solvents?
2. Is Aztech poisonous?
3. How long can you use Aztech?
4. How do you dispose of dirty Aztech and stripped paint?
5. What is the best operating temperature of the process?
6. How do you control the density of Aztech?
7. How do you determine the right density?
8. Do you need to vent the machine?
9. What goes up the stack?
1. How does the cost of Aztech compare to the cost of petroleum solvents?
The cost of Aztech per gallon is higher than the cost per gallon of petroleum solvents. However, production experience has shown that Aztech lasts a great deal longer than solvent. As a matter of fact, we expect one gallon of Aztech to clean as much paint as twenty gallons of petroleum solvents. It is, therefore, possible to make a cost comparison by multiplying the cost per gallon of petroleum solvents by 20 and comparing that to the cost of a gallon of Aztech. This figure would be the expected ratio of solvent cost to Aztech costs in production. To get the anticipated actual cost of Aztech compared to their current costs of solvents, divide the gallons of solvent the customer uses by 20 and multiply by the cost of the Aztech. Compare this total figure with the total figure of his solvent costs.
Aztech is no more harmful than laundry soap.
3. How long can you use Aztech?
This really depends on the kind of paint being used. Some paints such as the vinyl lacquers used in the toy industry are completely inert to Aztech and they will last indefinitely. The only loss is what is dragged out of the equipment when the equipment is occasionally cleaned and the stripped paint removed for disposal. Other paints, however, that have low pH’s will eventually change the chemical nature of Aztech. On this account it is better from time to time to completely discharge a machine and refill it with new Aztech. This restores the chemistry to proper control. We mentioned above the expected comparison of Aztech consumption to solvents as being 20 gallons of solvent versus one gallon of Aztech. This generally holds true with the paints, which destruct the Aztech over a period of time. It represents a lower expectation rather than the higher expectation enjoyed with the vinyl lacquers above described. Some customers purge machines every six production shifts; others purge their equipment once a year only adding additional Aztech when necessary.
4. How do you dispose of dirty Aztech and stripped paint?
This is accomplished in the same manner that you dispose of wastes from water washed spray booths. Paint solids settled in the bottom of the Aztech washer are shoveled out where they may be disposed of in a dry fill or burned. The liquid Aztech may be sewered after processing it in your waste treatment pond since it has a pH of 11 in the unreduced state. Local governments have different requirements regarding waste materials. The Aztech with a pH approaching 11 will have to be mixed with other water wastes and reduced pH to those levels acceptable to local water disposal requirements.
5. What is the best operating temperature of the process?
We find that 195°F to be highly recommended although it is possible for many paints to be stripped at lower temperatures. This temperature assures that the masks when stripped will also dry as quickly as possible so that they may be returned to production.
6. How do you control the density of Aztech?
The density of Aztech is controlled by the use of a Hydrometer. The density measured thereby is controlled between 1.05 and 1.20.
7. How do you determine the right density?
This is determined in the customer’s behalf by you when testing his paints. We have found that a density of 1.1 to be universally applicable with few exceptions. Some enamels demand a higher density of 1.15 and even 1.20. It is to the advantage of the customer to use the lower density of 1.05 when possible.
8. Do you need to vent the machine?
The machine is vented to assure that water vapor given off by the heated solution will not get into the paint room. In warm, humid spring, summer and fall days such humidity can cause paint to blush on production parts. The venting is not required to maintain a safe atmosphere, or to move poisonous vapors from the system since there are none attendant to the process. Exception is buffered Aztech which will give off some ammonia. This is not noticeable with a vented machine. Without venting, the smell will make the paint area very uncomfortable.
Water vapor goes up the stack and what small amounts of residual solvent may have been left in the paint films from the mask.